Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (03.04.16) reported that Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci said that important developments have taken place in the ongoing negotiations during the last ten and a half months, adding that they have not wasted a year. He also said that today a solution is more difficult than it was ten years ago, and in the next ten years a solution will be more difficult than today and may even be impossible.
Noting that in a possible solution there will be areas in the “TRNC” (translator’s note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus) that will be unprepared; Akinci said that a preparation process is needed. He noted that the ad-hoc committees are working for the harmonization with the EU actively. He explained that the Turkish side will not apply again to the EU, however the Turkish Cypriot “people” are preparing for this, without meaning that they are unprepared. Akinci stressed that the two sides should embrace and create an atmosphere in which they can live in harmony and in co-existence.
Addressing the 53rd ordinary general meeting of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce (KTTO), Akinci recalled that significant developments have been occurred under the chapter of Confidence Building Measures (CBMs), such as facilitating crossings at the check-points, the de-mining works and the connection of the electricity grid.
Akinci further said that with the work of the Education Committee, a more peaceful environment will be passed on to the future generations.
Noting that the Turkish side allowed excavations in the effort to locate remains of missing persons in over 30 military areas, Akinci said that the construction tender for the works regarding the crossing points of Deryneia and Apliki was completed.
Stressing that the cooperation regarding the mobile broadband connection, which he considers of vital importance experiences difficulties, Akinci argued that due to a legislative regulation in the Greek Cypriot side, this cooperation has not been feasible yet.
Akinci noted that the Turkish Cypriot side wants to live in peace and democracy, adding that a solution in ten years from now will be more difficult and perhaps impossible.